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A slight throb blossomed on my forehead and just as I was about to press my fingers to ease the ache, a sharp cramp went through my lower belly. It stopped and I heaved a breath of relief as I continued my work. But only a minute later, another wave hit. This time in full force.

A gasp slipped past my lips.

The pain was similar to when I got my period, only more intense. But I couldn’t really be having my period now, right?

No, I shouldn’t be.

I dropped my iPad on a nearby table and dashed to the first bathroom I found, my heart splitting into an unrecognizable rhythm as I pulled my shorts and panties down.

Red.

Blood.

Everywhere.

Is that…is that my b…

No, no, no.

Pain clouded my vision as I grabbed a tissue and tried to get it away…get it away from me… to make it stop, but it wouldn’t.

The white of the tissue was stained with thick bloody clots, so thick and red…

That can’t be… that can’t be my…

Nausea choked me as my trembling fingers disposed it.

I couldn’t look at it anymore.

My cramps rolled off in painful waves, sending sharp aches to my spine that almost doubled me over.

I didn’t even think as I dashed out and pulled a long jacket from one of the wardrobe rails and ran out of that house. I hopped into one of the waiting cars and didn’t think, didn’t breathe till it dropped me off at the first emergency room in sight.

For the next thirty minutes, I sat in a narrow plastic chair, ignoring the calls that kept coming through my phone.

I couldn’t be bothered with it.

All I wanted was for my baby to be okay.

Please be okay.I curled my hands protectively around my waist.

Just be okay.

I’ll take good care of you, I swear.

“Ms. Evans?”

“That’s me,” I blurted, leaping to my feet. The motion made another painful cramp drag my entire lower belly like a ton of boulders.

She gave me a small smile. “The doctor will see you now.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled, following her.

Soon, I was lying on a thin bed while the doctor scanned my stomach.

“When was your last period?” She frowned.

“I don’t remember,” I said quietly. “Maybe two or three months ago.”